Bismarck, ND – Seniors Brianna Thomas and Megan Bosch lead the University of Mary women's tennis team into the 2012 season. Under the direction of new head coach Jason Weidman, the Marauders begin their 17-game schedule this weekend when U-Mary travels to St. Cloud State University on Friday, February 10.
 
The two North Dakota natives are 1-2 on the singles depth chart for U-Mary with Thomas once again poised to hold down the top slot. Thomas, from Minot, ND, played #1 singles for the Marauders in 2009 and 2011. A Bismarck, ND, native, Bosch last competed for the Marauders during the 2009 season and is ready to assume the #2 singles slot.
 
Three other returners will play integral roles in the Marauders success this season. #Julia (Schock) Amundson and Ashley Tuschling#, both juniors, are slotted to play #3 and #4 singles. Rachel Brown, also a junior, fits into the #6 position.
 
A freshman, Rachel Phelps, will hold down #5 singles for U-Mary to start the season.
 
Amanda Hennessy, a former three-year starter for the U-Mary volleyball squad, is in her first season with the Marauders tennis team and provides some depth in the program.
 
Strong doubles players who are strong at the net, Amundson and Bosch will form the Marauders top doubles team. Thomas and Tuschling are the second group and the two Rachels – Brown and Phelps – are the third team.
 
In addition to opening at St. Cloud State, the Marauders will also face two other Northern Sun squads at neutral sites over the weekend. U-Mary will face Upper Iowa in Owatonna, MN, on Saturday, February 11, before concluding the weekend against the University of Minnesota Duluth in Minneapolis, MN, on Sunday, February 12.
 
U-Mary's home schedule opens against MSU Billings on February 18 with two more home matches to follow on February 19.
 
#marauders#